S.Korea unhappy with France over exclusion of Kia EV from subsidy list

South Korea expressed regret to France on Tuesday over the exclusion of a locally produced electric vehicle (EV) of Kia Corp. from the list of automobiles eligible for subsidies in France, the industry ministry said.

First Vice Industry Minister Jang Young-jin delivered the concern to French Trade Minister Olivier Becht in Seoul earlier in the day, as Paris decided to exclude the Niro EV of Kia from the list of the French government’s subsidy program, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Hyundai Motor Co.’s Kona SUV, manufactured in Europe, was the only South Korean model to be included in the list released last week, reports Yonhap news agency.

Jang urged France to expedite the complaint procedures for the South Korean government and businesses, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s top carmaker, and its sister company, Kia, are set to post combined exports of 2 million units in 2023, data showed, on the back of the post-pandemic market recovery.

Last month, Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia unveiled their latest electric vehicle (EV) units and concept models under way at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show as the companies strengthen their electric portfolios.